Tax Evasion Lawyers in St. Clair Shores
In Michigan "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.
There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. One of the most frequent tactics is to make it appear that the taxpayer has less taxable income than they actually do. There are a wide variety of ways to hide income for the purpose of evading one's tax liability, but all of them are illegal.
"Tax evasion" should be distinguished from "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the unlawful act of trying to hide one's tax liability. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is perfectly legal, and simply involves using the tax laws strategically, to reduce one's actual tax liability as much as possible.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in St. Clair Shores, Michigan
The laws of the federal government, as well as Michigan take tax evasion extremely seriously, making it a crime.
The penalties for tax evasion in St. Clair Shores can range anywhere from small fines to huge fines, along with prison sentences of several years.
In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is especially likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion usually mean a small fine, on top of an order to pay whatever taxes the taxpayer owes. A minor punishment is most likely when the government has trouble proving that fraud was involved, as opposed to an honest accounting error.
But, if the government can prove that a defendant in St. Clair Shores, Michigan intentionally concealed income, in order to get out of paying taxes, a court will most likely impose the heaviest penalties allowed by law, including enormous fines, and several years in prison.
A St. Clair Shores, Michigan Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
An attorney in St. Clair Shores, Michigan specializing in tax law can help you comply with all the tax laws that apply to you, which makes it very unlikely that you'll ever be accused of tax evasion in the first place.
If you find yourself really accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a St. Clair Shores, Michigan attorney with experience practicing tax law, as soon as possible. Your tax attorney can help you defend yourself against the charges, ensuring that you have a good chance at being acquitted.